1520s, from Late Latin epiglottis, from Greek epiglottis, literally "(that which is) upon the tongue," from epi "on" (see epi-) + glottis, from glotta, variant of glossa "tongue" (see gloss (n.2)). An earlier form was epiglote (c.1400), from Old French epiglotte. Related: Epiglottic.

epiglottis ep·i·glot·tis (ěp'ĭ-glŏt'ĭs)n.pl.ep·i·glot·tis·es or ep·i·glot·ti·des (-glŏt'ĭ-dēz') The thin elastic cartilaginous structure located at the root of the tongue that folds over the glottis to prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea during the act of swallowing.